Distinct variety of Streptocarpus named Olga

ABSTRACT

A new variety of Streptocarpus plant is characterized by its pure white color. It has large flowers, long permanence and is generally nonfertile.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Streptocarpus x hybridus known by the varietal name of Olga, formerly named Weibe Glocke. The new cultivar is an irradiated sport of Helle Glocke. Helle Glocke is an irradiated sport of Nadia which is a cross between the seed parent Wiesmoor Blue and the pollen parent Constant Nymph.

The new cultivar is essentially identical to Helle Glocke except for the color of the flower and the size and quantity of foliage. The new cultivar, like Helle Glocke, has more blooms per plant and the blooms last longer than for Nadia, Wiesmoor Blue or Constant Nymph.

The new cultivar was discovered in 1976 in Vaihingen, Federal Republic of Germany; was first asexually reproduced by cuttings in Vaihingen, Federal Republic of Germany; and has been repeatedly asexually reproduced by cuttings at Oglevee Floral Company in Connellsville, Pa. It has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive propogations.

The new cultivar, when grown in a greenhouse in Connellsville, Pa., has a response time of eight weeks from a plantlet (a well rooted young plant in a five centimeter pot) to a flowering plant in a ten centimeter pot.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing illustrates the new cultivar, the color being as nearly true as possible with color illustrations of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of the cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics were collected from asexual reproductions carried out by the Oglevee Floral Company in Connellsville, Pa. The plant history was taken on eight week plants blossomed under natural light in a greenhouse and color readings were taken indoors under 100 foot candles of cool white fluorescent light. Color references are primarily to the R.H.S. color chart of the Royal Horticultural Society of London.

Botanical classification: Gesneriaceae (family); Streptocarpus x hybridus (genus x species).

Flower:

Fully expanded.--Seven centimeters.

Borne.--In clusters of one to six flowers per flower stalk above the foliage. Flower stalks arise from mid-rib of each leaf.

Stems.--Single, long and pubescent.

Form.--Funnel formed in an umbel.

Permanence.--Long lasting 21 to 25 days.

Color:

Front of petals.--Pure white.

Throat.--Fan 1 Yellow Green Group 154-B.

Base of petals.--Pure white.

Reverse of petals.--Pure white.

Tonality from a distance.--Pure white.

Discoloration.--Insignificant.

Petals:

Texture.--Velvet.

Appearance.--Individually lobed and slightly ruffled margin.

Arrangement.--Regularly united into an elliptical form.

Persistance.--Lives for 21 to 25 days and remains on plant in dry form until picked.

Fragrance.--None.

Reproductive organs:

Anthers.--Two per flower and interconnected.

Filament.--Two and one-half centimeters initiating from the base of petal and extending to the anther. In addition, two undeveloped stamens are present.

Pollen.--Generally nonfertile.

Style.--Extends from tip of ovary one centimeter and terminates in a flattened stigma.

Ovaries.--Slightly curved; two millimeters in diameter and two centimeters long.

Plant:

Form.--Leaves rosulete from a crown at the soil line.

Growth.--A spreading, free flowing habit with leaf bases being acute.

Height from soil line.--15 to 20 centimeters.

Spread.--35 to 40 centimeters.

Foliage:

Top side.--Fan 3 Green Group 137-B.

Size.--15 to 20 centimeters in length and 7 to 11 centimeters in width at widest point.

Quantity.--Five to ten leaves.

Shape.--Oblanceolete.

Ribs and veins.--Pinnate.

Rib and vein color.--Fan 3 Green Group 138-B.

Margin.--Ruffled margin with crenate serrations.

Underside.--Fan 4 Greyed Green Group 193-A.

Stipules.--None. 

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Streptocarpus substantially as herein shown and described. 